Crewe

Crewe is perhaps best known as a major train station on the west coast main line with an industrial past. The town is very much centred on the large train station but is quite spread out. Most major chains are here but there are a few independent shops though the centre of town and on Nantwich Road has suffered in recent years though the nearby “Mornflake Stadium” is home to local football club Crewe Alexandra.

The feel of Crewe is very much that the town is bedroom community used for commuters to nearby Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Though ostensibly a railway museum The Crewe Heritage Museum attempts to tell the story of not only the train station but also of the town itself. Run by volunteers the site consists of a main entrance hall, containing exhibits about the history of Crewe and a few model railway layouts in one corner, a number of trains including the “Intercity Advanced Passenger Train (APT)” that greets you on arrival, the “North Junction Signal” building which contains a café, shop, exhibits including the actual signalling room itself and an outside viewing platform that takes in the tracks of nearby Crewe train station, a (rideable and free) miniature outdoor railway, and two signal boxes on the far end of the site alongside the Tesco's Supermarket: Exeter West Signal Box and Station “A” Signal Box.

I think the most interesting part of this site is being able to see the signalling equipment, both modern and ancient including information about how it actually works. The site is alongside the mainline trainlines into Crewe Station so the train connection is very much in evidence with trains passing by every few minutes.

As it is volunteer-run the exhibits are not as polished as you might see in other museums but this is part of the charm of the place. It really feels like a part of the community and well-loved.

There is free parking onsite and a modest entrance fee is charged but it is well worth it. Volunteers are throughout the site and only too happy to answer questions.

Crewe Lyceum Theatre is the local theatre with shows typically running one or two nights and, of course, a traditional Christmas panto every year.

Crewe Market Hall is an indoors venue that hosts several street food vendors and occasional events such as quizzes. When we visited there were a few closed stalls but there is a good selection of food: Pizza, Mexican, Burgers, Noodles, and Hot Dogs though they do also have a few small boutique stores and even a small Asian supermarket.

Found a distance from the centre of town on Victoria avenue, the 44.5 acre Queens Park is a quiet haven from the industrial town. The large Victorian gates on the north entrance welcome you to the park. Dating from the 1880s, the park is well used and can get very busy. There is a small, (now) paved free car park located on the east of the park off Queens Park Drive.

The heart of the park is the small lake with walking trails around. It tends to be full of birds thriving on the feed the local people provide. Walking around can be a bit of avoiding the birds and their droppings.

If you want to escape from the outdoors or want a bit of a drink or food, there is a large pavilion in the middle of the park near the war memorial that includes a café, plenty of seating inside and outside (at back overlooking the lake), and local information including a small, free, book lending library.

On or about November 5 (bonfire night) the park hosts a bonfire and fireworks along with a fairground and lots of street food. This is very crowded so parking can be an issue though local options are available (including parking at the nearby King George V Playing Fields, near the gym). There is a cash donation required for entry going to the Crewe Lions Club.

The Crewe train station is a major stop on the west coast main line and serves as a junction for many destinations. The station is located to the south-east of the town centre and has an attached car park. Taxis and buses stop outside the main entrance but be aware that officially there is no drop-off/pick-up facilities here. There are toilets on the platforms along with a WH Smith, Upper Crust and other dining/coffee options as well.

There are car parks throughout town along with a central bus station and buses travelling throughout the town. Most car parks are charged and watch for street parking charges.

For further information, please see:

• Crewe Nub News
• Crewe Town Council
• Wikipedia - Crewe